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Folkestone Marine Protected Area

Folkestone Park and Marine Reserve

The Folkestone Park and Marine Reserve was established in 1981 by the Designation of Restricted Areas Order 1981, and the Marine Areas (Preservation and Enhancement) (Barbados Marine Reserve) Regulation 1981. The National Conservation Commission (NCC), the government agency responsible for the management of marine protected areas in Barbados, manages the Folkestone Park and Marine Reserve.

The Park and Reserve are located on the west coast of Barbados. The Reserve stretches a total distance of 2.2 km and extends a distance offshore of 950m at its widest point and 660m at its narrowest. The Reserve consists of four zones:

* Scientific Zone Designated for marine research:
No motor power craft access unless permitted for research or enforcement, and then speeds are limited to 5 knots.

* Northern and Southern Designated Water Sports Zones for fast speed watercraft use:
All motorised watercraft must operate at speeds less than 5 knots/no wake within 75m from shore, and speed boats can operate at higher speeds within 75 - 200m from shore. Jet skis must maintain speeds of less than 5 knots within 200m of shore and can operate at higher speeds beyond 200m from shore.

* Recreational Zone Designated for recreation, including swimming, snorkeling and fishing:
There are no restrictions on watercraft entry, however, speed restrictions apply.

For further information on the Folkestone Park and Marine Reserve please visit NCC website.

Sediment particles, often largely composed of quartz, with a diameter of between 0.062mm and 2mm, generally classified as fine, medium, coarse or very coarse. Beach sand may sometimes be composed of organic sediments such as calcareous reef debris or shell fragments.